Hoardings

ABSTRACT

A hoarding module  100  is disclosed which cooperates with other modules for erecting a hoarding and includes a substantially rectangular panel member  101  and positioning means in the form of a sleeve set  69, 70  and sleeve  71  which positions the module to adjoin at least one other module along at least one vertical side thereof. Positioning means  69, 70  and  71  cooperate with joining means in the form of pins  80  to hinge together horizontally adjoining modules in a hoarding.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to hoardings.

[0002] The invention has particular but not exclusive application tohoarding modules which are cooperable with other modules for erecting ahoarding, to walling assemblies for erecting a hoarding and to methodsof erecting hoardings such as for example may be used as a temporaryshop hoarding for use during shopping centre renovations.

[0003] However it will be realised that the invention has wideimplications and could be used for temporary, semipermanent andpermanent walling for use in a wide range of applications including,inter alia, partitioning (both indoor and outdoor), construction sites,concert and stage settings, trade shoes, crowd control etc.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0004] Pre-fabricated walling systems are well known and it is known tofabricate temporary shop hoardings on-site.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0005] The present invention aims to provide an alternative to knownwalling systems and hoardings.

[0006] This invention in one aspect resides broadly in a hoarding modulecooperable with other modules for erecting a hoarding, the moduleinducing:

[0007] a substantially rectangular panel member;

[0008] first positioning means which positions the module to adjoin atleast one other module along at least one of a first pair of oppositesides of the substantially rectangular panel member, and

[0009] second positioning means which positions the module to adjoin atleast one other module along at least one of the other pair of oppositesides of the substantially rectangular panel member;

[0010] wherein the second positioning means cooperates with joiningmeans to hinge together adjoining modules in a hoarding.

[0011] It is preferred that the first positioning means includes twopairs of opposed first receiving means positioned adjacent the firstpair of opposite sides at substantially opposite ends thereof, the firstreceiving means receiving joining means and cooperating therewith tojoin hoarding modules adjoining on the first pair of opposite sides.

[0012] It is also preferred that the second positioning means includes:

[0013] a pair of opposed second receiving means positioned adjacent thefirst pair of opposite sides along one of the other pair of oppositesides, and

[0014] third receiving means positioned along the other of the otherpair of opposite sides and receivable between a pair of opposed secondreceiving means of a hoarding module adjoining on one side of the otherpair of opposite sides;

[0015] the second and third receiving means receiving joining means andcooperating therewith to join hoarding modules adjoining on the otherpair of opposite sides.

[0016] It is also preferred that the first receiving means includes afirst set of sleeves extending parallel to the other pair of oppositesides, the second receiving means includes a second set of sleevesparallel to the first set and extending along one of the other pair ofopposite sides, and the third receiving means includes a third sleeveparallel to the first set and extending along the other of the otherpair of opposite sides; wherein the joining means includes cylindricalpins closely receivable within the sets of sleeves, and wherein thesecond set of sleeves on one module cooperates with the third sleeve onan adjoining module and with a cylindrical pin to hinge together theadjoining modules along respective sides thereof.

[0017] It is also preferred that the third receiving means is receivablebetween a pair of opposed first receiving means of a hoarding module inabutment thereto, the first and third receiving means receiving joiningmeans and cooperating therewith whereby a plurality of verticallyaligned modules brace a hoarding comprising a plurality of joinedmodules in abutment thereto.

[0018] It is preferred that the hoarding module includes fourthreceiving means in the form of a fourth set of sleeves insetrespectively from the first pair of opposite sides which cooperate withthe second set of sleeves, the second and fourth set of sleevesreceiving joining means and cooperating therewith whereby a plurality ofvertically aligned modules brace a hoarding comprising a plurality ofjoined modules in abutment thereto.

[0019] It is preferred that the fourth receiving means cooperate withanchor means for non-fixedly anchoring the module to a supportingsurface.

[0020] As used herein the expression “non-fixedly anchoring” is to begiven a broad meaning which includes all means for anchoring a hoardingmodule to a floor or the like not involving fixing per se. Theexpression “fixing” in this sense is to considered as includingscrewing, nail-gunning and gluing for example, but is not to beconsidered as including weighting or frictional engagement.

[0021] It is preferred that the hoarding module includes fixing meanswhich fix the module to scaffolding or the like.

[0022] It is preferred that the fixing means includes a plurality ofsupports supporting mounts attachable to the scaffolding.

[0023] It is preferred that the first positioning means cooperates withjoining means to brace vertically adjoining modules in a hoarding.

[0024] It is also preferred that the first positioning means cooperateswith anchor means for anchoring the braced vertically adjoining modulesto a floor or the like.

[0025] In another aspect this invention resides broadly in a hoardingmodule cooperable with other modules for erecting a hoarding, the moduleincluding:

[0026] a substantially rectangular panel member;

[0027] first positioning means which positions the module to adjoin atleast one other module along at least one of a first pair of oppositesides of the substantially rectangular panel member, and

[0028] second positioning means which positions the module to adjoin atleast one other module along at least one of the other pair of oppositesides of the substantially rectangular panel member;

[0029] wherein the first positioning means cooperates with joining meansto brace vertically adjoining modules in a hoarding.

[0030] In another aspect this invention resides broadly in a wallingassembly for erecting a hoarding or the like, the walling assemblyincluding:

[0031] a plurality of substantially rectangular hoarding modules, and

[0032] anchor means for non-fixedly anchoring a hoarding module to afloor or the like;

[0033] the hoarding modules including first positioning means whichpositions the module to adjoin at least one other module along at leastone of a first pair of opposite sides of the hoarding module and secondpositioning means which positions the module to adjoin at least oneother module along at least one of the other pair of opposite sides ofthe hoarding module;

[0034] and joining means cooperating with the second positioning meansto hinge together horizontally adjoining modules in a hoarding andcooperating with the first positioning means to join verticallyadjoining hoarding modules.

[0035] It is preferred that the first positioning means includes a firstset of sleeves extending parallel to the other pair of opposite sidesand the second positioning means includes a second set of sleevesparallel to the first set and extending along the other pair of oppositesides.

[0036] It is also preferred that the joining means includes cylindricalpins closely receivable within the sets of sleeves.

[0037] It is also preferred that the some of the sleeves in the secondset of sleeves on one module cooperates with other sleeves in the secondset of sleeves on an adjoining module and with a cylindrical pin tohinge together the adjoining modules along respective sides thereof.

[0038] It is also preferred that the modules include door and/or windowmeans.

[0039] It is preferred that the modules are made from a plasticsmaterial,

[0040] In another aspect this invention resides broadly in a method oferecting a hoarding, the method including:

[0041] positioning anchoring means in place on a floor or the like;

[0042] locating on the anchoring means a first substantially rectangularhoarding module having first positioning means which positions themodule to adjoin at least one other module along at least one of a firstpair of opposite sides of the hoarding module and second positioningmeans which positions the module to adjoin at least one other modulealong at least one of the other pair of opposite sides of the hoardingmodule;

[0043] positioning a second module substantially identical to the firstmodule along the upper side of the first module;

[0044] positioning a third module substantially identical to the firstmodule along one of the vertical sides of the first module;

[0045] and joining adjoining modules by joining means cooperating withthe positioning means on each module, the second positioning means onthe first and third modules cooperating with joining means to hingetogether the first and third modules in the hoarding.

[0046] In alternative embodiments to that defined above it is preferredthat the first positioning means includes structural members extendingalong opposite sides thereof which receive the joining means. Preferablythe structural members are box-shaped. It is also preferred that thestructural members extend along the sides of the modules which arevertical in use.

[0047] In these embodiments it is preferred that the joining meansinclude spigot means to join vertically adjoining modules. Preferablythe spigot means are fixed in the lower ends of the box-shaped membersof upper modules and are closely receivable in the upper ends of thebox-shaped members of lower modules. Alternatively, the spigot means maybe closely receivable in the lower ends of the box-shaped members ofupper modules and in the upper ends of the box-shaped members of lowermodules, the upper ends including retaining means for retaining thespigot means therein.

[0048] In these embodiments it is preferred that the second positioningmeans include attachment means for attaching together horizontallyadjoining modules. The attachment means may include lugs to be boltedtogether. Alternatively the attachment means may include clamp means forclamping together horizontally adjoining box-shaped members.

[0049] It is preferred that the anchor means non-fixedly anchor a moduleto the floor. It is also preferred that the anchor means includesweighting means. In one embodiment the weighting means is preferably acontainer for water or the like. In this embodiment it is preferred thatthe weighting means engages a module for anchoring the module to thefloor. It is preferred that the weighting means includes recesses forreceiving respective portions of the module therein whereby the modulesare supported by the weighting means. The portions of the modules may bethe spigot means. Alternatively the portions of the modules can beinwardly directed flanges on the opposed box-shaped members, the flangesbeing engaged by the clamp means when clamping together horizontallyadjoining box-shaped members.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0050] In order that this invention may be more easily understood andput into practical effect, reference will now be made to theaccompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of theinvention, wherein:

[0051]FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a universal module for use ina first embodiment of the invention;

[0052]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an anchor for use with theuniversal module seen in FIG. 1;

[0053]FIG. 3 is an exploded rear perspective view of a wallingconstructed from the modules and anchors of FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0054]FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a base module for use inanother embodiment of the invention;

[0055]FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of an upper module for use withthe base module seen in FIG. 4;

[0056]FIG. 6 is an exploded rear perspective view of a wallingconstructed from the modules of FIGS. 4 and 5;

[0057]FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of a universal module for use ina further embodiment of the invention;

[0058]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an anchor for use with theuniversal module seen in FIG. 7;

[0059]FIG. 9 is an exploded rear perspective view of a wallingconstructed from the modules and anchors of FIGS. 7 and 8;

[0060]FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of a universal module for usein a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0061]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an anchor for use with theuniversal module seen in FIG. 10;

[0062]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a pin for coupling adjoiningmodules;

[0063]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a scaffold mount for bracing ahoarding erected from a number of the modules by mounting the modules toa scaffolding;

[0064]FIG. 14 illustrates a ceiling jack;

[0065]FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of an alternative to theuniversal module illustrated in FIG. 10 showing an alternative scaffoldmounting arrangement and showing a mounting arrangement for mounting anadjoining module about a horizontal axis;

[0066]FIG. 16 illustrates an alternative to the scaffold mount shown inFIG. 13;

[0067]FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of another alternative to theuniversal modules illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 15, showing an additionalsleeve set to allow either end of a second panel to be connected at therear, another anchor mounting arrangement, and some other changes aswill be subsequently described

[0068]FIG. 18 is an alternative scaffold mount to that shown in FIG. 16,and

[0069]FIG. 19 is an alternative to the anchor shown in FIG. 11.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF INVENTION

[0070] Reference will first be made to FIGS. 10 to 13 which illustrate apreferred embodiment of the walling assembly in accordance with thepresent invention for mounting on a floor. In this embodiment thewalling assembly includes a plurality of hoarding modules 60 and anchormeans in the form of a foot 75 for anchoring lower modules 60 to thefloor. In a manner to be described subsequently, anchor feet 75 can alsoanchor upper modules 60 to the ceiling.

[0071] Hoarding module 60 is made from a light weight resilient toughplastic such as PVC and is in the form of a rectangular panel 61occupying a 600 mm vertical×1200 mm horizontal space when assembled.Panel 61 is reinforced by cross ribbing 62 in known manner and hasreinforcing webs at the edges 63, 64 which in use will constitute theupper and lower sides respectively of module 60. For convenience thesides or edges 63, 64 will be called the horizontal edges of the modulewith the sides or edges, seen in FIG. 10 as having sleeve set 69, 70 andsleeve 71 respectively, will be referred to as the vertical edges of themodule.

[0072] Two sets of sleeves 67, 68 having aligned longitudinallyextending axes parallel to the vertical sides are located adjacent eachvertical side edge of module 60 with the sleeves 67 extendingsubstantially to the upper horizontal edge 63 and with the sleeves 68extending substantially to the lower horizontal edge 64. Lower sleeves68 have cut-out portions 72 to accommodate bracing gusset 78 of foot 75(to be subsequently described with reference to FIG. 11).

[0073] Another set of sleeves 69, 70 is located at one of the verticaledges of module 60 and is similar to the sets 67, 68 with an alignedlongitudinally extending axis parallel to the vertical sides. Sleeve set69, 70 is positioned along the vertical side edge of module 60 withsleeve 69 extending substantially to the upper horizontal edge 63 andwith the sleeve 70 extending substantially to the lower horizontal edge64. Another sleeve 71 is located along the other vertical edge of module60 and has a longitudinally extending axis parallel to the verticalside. Sleeve 71 is positioned along the other vertical side edge ofmodule 60 such that when two modules 60 horizontally adjoin each other,sleeve 71 of one of the modules is received in the space between sleeves69 and 70 on the other module, such that the longitudinal axes of thesleeves are in alignment and can receive a pin 80 (as subsequently to bedescribed with reference to FIG. 12) to thus constitute a hinge jointhinging together two horizontally adjoining modules. Sleeve 71 has acutout portion 72 to facilitate insertion of pin 80.

[0074] It will be appreciated that sleeve 71 similarly fits closely inthe space between sleeve sets 67, 68 such that when a number of modulesare connected together to form a hoarding in a manner subsequently to beexplained, another module 60 (or a number of vertically connectedmodules) can abut the hoarding at right angles and be connected theretovia a sleeve set(s) 67, 68 by pins 80 and thus form a bracing for thehoarding.

[0075] Sleeve sets 67, 68 and 69, 70 and sleeve 71 are of similarinternal diameter and closely receive pins 80 for connecting togetheradjoining modules.

[0076] Pins 80 are of two lengths to facilitate interconnection of themodule illustrated in FIG. 10. A shorter pin extends upwardly from theupper end of cutout 72 to a point approximately midway in sleeve 69 ofthe horizontally adjoining module. This shorter pin is retained inposition by means of tab 81 (see FIG. 12). When pin 80 is rotated, tab81 engages in a slot (not shown) in the upper portion of sleeve 71 abovecutout 72. The longer pin 80 has a length slightly less than the lengthof cutout 72 in which it is inserted. It is located downwardly andextends from the lower lip of cutout 72 (on which tab 81 is arrested)downward through sleeve 70 of the horizontally adjoining module and downto a point approximately midway in sleeve 69 of the module verticallybelow the horizontally adjoining module.

[0077] As can be seen in FIG. 11, an anchor 75 has a foot 76 and acylindrical pin or leg 77 upstanding therefrom and braced thereto bybracing gusset 78. As can be seen in FIG. 12, cylindrical pin 80 has atab or collar 81 at one end thereof for supporting the pin on thesleeves to prevent the pins falling through the sleeves under theinfluence of gravity. The external diameter of pins 80 is slightly lessthan the internal diameter of the sleeves so that the pins are closelyreceived in the sleeves.

[0078] In use in this embodiment, the method of the present inventionassembles a wall or hoarding by first positioning a pair of anchors 75with feet 76 on the floor and legs 77 upstanding therefrom. A hoardingmodule 60 is then positioned over legs 77 with lower sleeves 68 beingclosely received over legs 77. Further pairs of anchors can bepositioned on either side of the central module and further modulespositioned over the legs in like manner. The horizontally adjoiningmodules are then connected to each other by aligning sleeves 71 withinthe space between respective sleeve sets 69, 70 and sliding a pin 80therein to hingedly connect together the modules. A second verticallayer of adjoining modules can then be connected by placing furthermodules above the lower row with sleeve sets 67, 68 in alignment andsliding pins 80 therein to connect and brace the two rows of modules.Further rows and columns of modules can then be connected in like mannerto construct a hoarding in a manner substantially as illustrated inFIGS. 3, 6 and 9 in relation to three other embodiments.

[0079] It should be noted that once the lowermost modules are located onfeet 75, it is not necessary for sleeves 67, 68 to be used in connectingvertically adjoining modules which can be connected, by virtue of pins80, by means of sleeve set 69, 70 and sleeve 71.

[0080] It will be appreciated that a weight such as a block of concreteor the like can be placed on foot 76 to support the hoarding.Alternatively, instead of using pins 80, a series of coupled steel posts(not shown) can be utilised with successive vertical rows of modulesbeing fed over the posts, and with further posts being added asrequired. A line of the thus coupled posts forms an extendablestanchion, the two ends of which can be urged in known manner inopposite directions to bear against a floor and a ceiling, with the thuscompressed stanchion supporting the hoarding.

[0081] Alternatively, a ceiling jack 85 as illustrated in FIG. 14 can beutilised. This consists of a pair of threaded telescopic pipes 86, 87connected by a threaded clamping collar 88 which when rotated caused thepipes to longitudinally extend relative to each other. With the end ofone pipe bearing on a sleeve (or on support 97 as seen in FIG. 15),rotation of clamping collar 88 causes the opposite end of the other pipeto bear against the ceiling.

[0082] Alternatively a hoarding assembled from a number of modules canbe supported by or braced against a scaffolding by means of scaffoldmount 90 seen in FIG. 13. Mount 90 has a collar portion 91 pivotallyattached to module connector portion 92 by an articulated joint 93.Collar 91 can be clipped over scaffolding to which it is attached bypins (not shown) through apertures 95 in known manner. Module connectorportion 92 has a splined keyway 94 which closely slides over T-shapedcomplimentary supports 65, 66 on module 60.

[0083] As seen in FIG. 10, two sets of vertically extending supports 65and two sets of horizontally extending supports 66 are located adjacentsleeve sets 67, 68 towards each vertical edge of module 60. When ahoarding has been assembled as described above, a number of mounts 90can be slid over respective ones of supports 65 and 66, with collarsthen being affixed to vertical and horizontal scaffolding members tosupport and brace the hoarding.

[0084] Another method of mounting the hoarding to a scaffolding isillustrated in FIG. 16 wherein mount 56 has a pair of orthogonalcylindrical sleeves 57, 58 with sleeve 57 being similarly sized to pin80 and sleeve 58 having an internal diameter sufficient to closelyreceive a scaffolding pipe. Thus pin-sleeve 57 can be mounted in a lowersleeve 68 with sleeve 58 resting on the upper end of sleeve 68. When thehoarding is assembled a longitudinally extending length of scaffoldingpipe or the like can be run through a number of sleeves 58 and beconnected to a scaffolding in known manner to brace the hordinghorizontally.

[0085] The above arrangement in which a horizontal bar or pipe can beattached to a hoarding can be used to mount a sliding door or window ina hoarding in which a number of modules have been removed to create adoorway or window.

[0086] An arrangement for mounting an adjoining module about ahorizontal axis is illustrated in FIG. 15 wherein a pair of anglesupports or shelves 97, 98 are positioned in alignment with a sleeve 96.The distance between the outer vertically inclined arm of angle supports97, 98 and the respective edges of sleeve 96 is such that sleeve 71 isclosely received therein in the same manner as it is received betweensleeves 67, 68. This enables a skirting-like or architrave-likeextension of modules to be arranged at the lower or upper row of modulesin a hoarding. This can be useful in providing a dust barrier and avoidsthe use of unsightly sarking.

[0087] It will also be appreciated that the uppermost row of modules canbe cut to size so that a hoarding assembled from modules in accordancewith the present invention is infinitely variable in height to fitexisting floor to ceiling heights.

[0088] In this embodiment it will be apparent that hoarding module 60cooperates with other modules for erecting a hoarding. Module 60includes a substantially rectangular panel member 61; first positioningmeans in the form of a pair of sleeve sets 67, 68 which positions module60 to adjoin at least one other module along at least one of themodule's horizontal sides, and second positioning means in the form of asleeve set 69, 70 and sleeve 71 which positions the module to adjoin atleast one other module along at least one of the module's verticalsides. Module 60 cooperates with anchor means 75 for non-fixedlyanchoring module 60 to a floor. The first positioning means 67, 68cooperates with joining means in the form of cylindrical pins 80 tobrace vertically adjoining modules in a hoarding. The first positioningmeans 67, 68 also cooperates with anchor means 75 for anchoring thebraced vertically adjoining modules to the floor. The second positioningmeans 69, 70 and 71 cooperates with joining means in the form of pins 80to hinge together adjoining horizontal modules in a hoarding.

[0089] It will also be apparent that in this embodiment hoarding module60, which cooperates with other modules for erecting a hoarding,includes a substantially rectangular hoarding module 61 and positioningmeans in the form of a sleeve set 69, 70 and sleeve 71 which positionsthe module to adjoin at least one other module along at least onevertical side thereof. Positioning means 69, 70 and 71 cooperate withjoining means in the form of pins 80 to hinge together horizontallyadjoining modules in a hoarding.

[0090] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17 wherein like integersare numbered correspondingly to those described above, module 100 has asubstantially rectangular panel member 101, first positioning means 67,68 which positions the module to adjoin at least one other module alongat least one of a first pair of opposite (horizontal) sides of thesubstantially rectangular panel member, and second positioning means inthe form of a second set of sleeves 69, 70 and a third sleeve 71 whichposition the module to adjoin at least one other module along at leastone of the other pair of opposite (vertical) sides of the substantiallyrectangular panel member. The second positioning means 69, 70, 71cooperate with joining means (not shown in FIG. 17) to hinge togetheradjoining modules in a hoarding.

[0091] In this embodiment fourth receiving means in the form of a fourthset of sleeves 102, 103 are inset respectively from the first pair ofopposite horizontal sides and cooperate with the second set of sleeves69, 70. Sets of sleeves 102, 103 and 69, 70 receive joining means (notshown in FIG. 17) and cooperate therewith whereby a plurality ofvertically aligned modules brace a hoarding comprising a plurality ofjoined modules in abutment thereto.

[0092] The anchor is received in sleeve 103, rather than in sleeve 68 asin the embodiments of FIGS. 10 and 15. Other variations in thisembodiment are that sleeve 71 is centered in the end of the panel andsleeves 69, 70 at the end opposite to 71 are of equal length, a handgrip 105 is provided, sleeves 67, 68, 102 and 103 have been modified at105 to allow the connecting pins to be locked in place, slots 106 allowcables to be fixed to the panels, and apertures 107 receive the barb 108of resilient tongue 109 to lock in the T support brace 110 (see FIG.18).

[0093]FIG. 19 illustrates an alternative anchor in which the foot isextended and carries a threaded shaft 111 to allow for panel heightadjustment by adjustment of a nut (not shown).

[0094] It will be appreciated that the hoarding system can beconstructed of modular panels connected to form a protective barrier tovarying heights. Each modular panel attaches to the adjacent panel,forming a continuous barrier. Desired heights are achieved by stackingpanels on top of each other, held together by male and female connectorpins and sockets. Stability for each stacked, modular panel is providedby water ballast within the base panel, by the weighted footarrangement, by the expandable stanchion arrangement, by the ceilingjack arrangement, by the pin and sleeve arrangement or by the attachmentto scaffolding.

[0095] As can be seen in FIGS. 1 to 3 which illustrate a firstembodiment of the walling assembly in accordance with the presentinvention for mounting on a floor, the walling assembly includes aplurality of universal hoarding modules 120 and anchor means in the formof a water tank 130 for anchoring lower modules 120 on the floor.

[0096] The hoarding modules 120 have a substantially rectangular panel123 and box-shaped structural members 121, 122 extending respectivelyalong vertical opposite sides of panels 123. The structural membersclosely receive joining means in the form of spigots 124, 125 to jointogether vertically adjoining hoarding modules to form a wall.

[0097] Spigots 124, 125 are fixed in the lower ends of box-shapedmembers 121, 122 of hoarding modules 120 and are closely receivable inthe upper ends of box-shaped members 121, 122 of a vertically adjoininghoarding modules.

[0098] The joining means also includes attachment means in the form oflugs 133 for attaching together horizontally adjoining hoarding modulesby bolts or pins (not shown).

[0099] The anchor means in the form of water container 130 seen in FIG.2 is adapted to engage a hoarding module 120 for anchoring the hoardingmodule on the floor by support thereon and in the embodiment illustratedin FIGS. 1 to 3 is seen to include pairs of opposed vertically alignedrecesses 132, 134 which serve the purpose of locating hoarding modules120. Water container 130 has upper (131) and lower (not shown) fillingand emptying screw caps. Recesses 136 are adapted to receive the forksof a forklift or pallet jack for transportation.

[0100] When assembled, water container 130 constitutes a base for thewalling and is symmetrically shaped so its orientation duringconstruction is not critical and does not affect the aestheticappearance with skirting 131 being evident on both sides.

[0101] It will be appreciated that significant variations can be made tothe configuration illustrated without departing from the invention. Thusthe box-shaped sections may of different cross-sectional configurationto that illustrated, including square or rectangular or circular forexample; the inner surfaces of the box-shaped sections can becastellated to provide greater structural rigidity and strength; thepanel members 123 can be the same width as the box-shaped sections; thepanel members 123 can include strengthening ribbing; the universalhoarding modules can be available in different heights and widths; thewater containers 130 can include a centrally located pair of verticallyaligned recesses such that the hoarding modules can straddle a pair ofhorizontally aligned water containers rather than as illustrated, beingsupported on one only.

[0102] In use, the method of the present invention assembles a wall orshop hoarding by first positioning anchoring means 130 in place on afloor. Typically the water container constituting the anchoring means ispositioned by means of a forklift. A hoarding module 120 is thenpositioned on container 130 with spigots 124, 125 sliding in respectiveones of recess pairs 134, 132. An upper hoarding module 120 is thenfixed to the anchored lower hoarding module by lifting into positionabove the lower hoarding module and with spigots 124, 125 being receivedin the upper ends of box-shaped members 121, 122 of the lower hoardingmodule.

[0103] A similar operation is then followed to assemble a horizontallyadjoining wall assembly. The two horizontally adjoining wall assembliesare then joined together by means of bolting or pinning.

[0104] In this embodiment it will be apparent that hoarding module 120cooperates with other modules for erecting a hoarding. Module 120includes a substantially rectangular panel member 123; first positioningmeans in the form of box-shaped members 121, 122 which positions module120 to adjoin at least one other module along at least one of themodule's horizontal sides, and second positioning means in the form oflugs 133 which positions the module to adjoin at least one other modulealong at least one of the module's vertical sides. Module 120 cooperateswith anchor means 130 for non-fixedly anchoring module 120 to a floor.The first positioning means 121, 122 cooperates with joining means inthe form of spigots 124, 125 to brace vertically adjoining modules in ahoarding. The first positioning means 121, 122 also cooperates withanchor means 130 for anchoring the braced vertically adjoining modulesto the floor.

[0105] As can be seen in FIGS. 4 to 6, in another embodiment of theinvention the walling assembly includes a plurality of lower hoardingmodules 10 and upper hoarding modules 20 and anchor means in the form ofa water tank 30 for anchoring lower modules 10 to the floor.

[0106] The hoarding modules 10, 20 have substantially rectangular panels13, 23 and include box-shaped structural members 11, 12 and 21, 22extending respectively along vertical opposite sides of panels 13, 23.The structural members closely receive joining means in the form ofspigots 24, 25 (see FIG. 5) to join together vertically adjoininghoarding modules to form a wall.

[0107] Spigots 24, 25 are fixed in the lower ends of box-shaped members21, 22 of upper hoarding modules 20 and are closely receivable in theupper ends of box-shaped members 11, 12 of lower hoarding modules 10.

[0108] The joining means also includes attachment means in the form oflugs 33 for attaching together horizontally adjoining hoarding modulesby bolts 34.

[0109] The anchor means in the form of water container 30 is adapted toengage hoarding module 10 for anchoring the hoarding module to the floorand in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6 is seen to be fixed tothe lower portion of panel 10. Water container 10 has upper and lowerfilling and emptying screw caps 31 and 32. Recesses 36 are adapted toreceive the forks of a forklift for transportation and pallet jack. Inthis embodiment the lower edge of panel 10 has cutouts for receiving theforklift forks therethrough when an assembled wall is lifted from thefront.

[0110] In this embodiment it will be apparent that hoarding module 10cooperates with other modules for erecting a hoarding. Module 10includes a substantially rectangular panel member 13; first positioningmeans in the form of box-shaped members 11, 12 which positions module 10to adjoin at least one other module along at least one of the module'shorizontal sides, and second positioning means in the form of lugs 33which positions the module to adjoin at least one other module along atleast one of the module's vertical sides. Module 10 cooperates withanchor means 30 for non-fixedly anchoring module 10 to a floor. Thefirst positioning means 11, 12 cooperates with joining means in the formof spigots 24, 25 to brace vertically adjoining modules in a hoarding.The first positioning means 11, 12 also cooperates with anchor means 30for anchoring the braced vertically adjoining modules to the floor.

[0111] FIGS. 7 to 9 illustrate another embodiment of the wallingassembly in accordance with the present invention for mounting on afloor. In this embodiment the walling assembly includes a plurality ofhoarding modules 40 and anchor means in the form of a water tank 50 foranchoring lower modules 40 to the floor.

[0112] The hoarding modules 40 have a substantially rectangular panel 43and box-shaped structural members 41, 42 extending respectively alongvertical opposite sides of panels 43. The structural members closelyreceive joining means in the form of spigots 46 (see FIG. 9) to jointogether vertically adjoining hoarding modules to form a wall.

[0113] Spigots 46 are closely received in the lower ends of thebox-shaped members 41, 42 of upper hoarding modules and in the upperends of the box-shaped members 41, 42 of lower hoarding modules. Theupper ends of the box-shaped members 41, 42 have retaining means in theform of plates 47, 48 within the box-shaped members for supportingspigots 46.

[0114] The anchor means in the form of water container 50 seen in FIG. 6is adapted to engage a hoarding module 40 for anchoring the hoardingmodule to the floor and in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9 isseen to include a pair of opposed vertically aligned recesses 51, 52which serve the purpose of locating hoarding modules 40. Water container50 has upper and lower filling and emptying screw caps 53 and 54.Recesses 55 are adapted to receive the forks of a forklift fortransportation.

[0115] Box-shaped members 41, 42 have inwardly directed flanges 44, 45which in use, as seen in FIG. 9, are received in the recesses 51, 52 ofwater container 50 and serve to provide respective supports forengagement by the jaws of clamps 49 which in this embodiment constitutethe joining means for attaching together horizontally adjoining hoardingmodules.

[0116] In use in this embodiment, the method of the present inventionassembles a wall or shop hoarding by first positioning anchoring means50 in place on a floor. Typically the water container constituting theanchoring means is positioned by means of a forklift. A hoarding module40 is then positioned on container 50 with flanges 44, 45 sliding inrecesses 51, 52. An upper hoarding module 40 is then fixed to theanchored lower hoarding module by lifting into position above the lowerhoarding module and with spigots 46 extending upwardly and completelyreceived in the lower ends of box-shaped members 41, 42 of the upperhoarding module. When in place above the lower hoarding module, spigots46 will fall into the upper ends of box-shaped members 41, 42 of thelower wall until arrested by restraints 47, 48. When thus arrested,spigots 46 are equidistantly spaced in upper and lower box-shapedmembers 41, 42 thus enhancing the structural rigidity of the assembledwall.

[0117] This mechanism for joining upper and lower hoarding modulesallows jointing wall members which extend flush to a ceiling without thenecessity of entering the ceiling space.

[0118] A similar operation is then followed to assemble a horizontallyadjoining wall assembly. The two horizontally adjoining wall assembliesare then joined together by positioning lever actuated clamps 49 overflanges 45, 44 of horizontally adjoining box-shaped members 41, 42 andactuating the clamps.

[0119] In this embodiment it will be apparent that hoarding module 40cooperates with other modules for erecting a hoarding. Module 40includes a substantially rectangular panel member 43; first positioningmeans in the form of box-shaped members 41, 42 which positions module 40to adjoin at least one other module along at least one of the module'shorizontal sides, and second positioning means in the form of damps 39which positions the module to adjoin at least one other module along atleast one of the module's vertical sides. Module 40 cooperates withanchor means 50 for non-fixedly anchoring module 10 to a floor. Thefirst positioning means 41, 42 cooperates with joining means in the formof spigots 46 to brace vertically adjoining modules in a hoarding. Thefirst positioning means 41, 42 also cooperates with anchor means 50 foranchoring the braced vertically adjoining modules to the floor.

[0120] Hinged corner panels are also provided where required, as arepanels consisting of access doors. All panels are designed toaccommodate stacking for storage and transportation, as are the panelsdesigned to facilitate use of forklifts and pallet jacks for handling. Asteel angle is also fixable to the base panel for the purpose of greaterstability, or where semi-permanent fixing to the ground is required.

[0121] The system is designed for use in both internal and externalenvironments, though primarily aimed at the use during retailconstruction and refurbishment works.

[0122] The system is preferably constructed of a light weight, moldable,durable, tough and aesthetically pleasing material which accommodatespainting and cost efficient construction. The hoarding modules can beconstructed from a suitable plastics material.

[0123] It will be appreciated that the present invention has a number ofadvantages which include:

[0124] Significant cost savings are obtained because there is minimalwastage of material which can be re-used rather than being scrapped asis usually the case with most current hoardings which are custom builton site.

[0125] Fast construction comparative to traditional timber stud hoardingsystems also provides cost savings.

[0126] The system is simple and easy to relocate and transport prior toand following its erection, without the need for drilling holes into theexisting floor.

[0127] Due the simplicity of the system unskilled labor may be used forits construction.

[0128] The system is designed to allow handling through limited accesssuch as domestic door ways.

[0129] Durability.

[0130] The system is height adjustable.

[0131] The system incorporates access doors, superseding the need forinstalling doors following construction, saving more time.

[0132] Panels stack on top of each other following dismantling, allowingease of transport and handling.

[0133] Panels may be bolted to the floor for greater stability.

[0134] The panels can be hinged together at the vertical edges toprovide angulation of the hoarding as required.

[0135] The panels have a variety of arrangements which provide bracingand stability.

[0136] Sacrificial panels accommodate signage for marketing purposes.

[0137] It will of course be realised that whilst the above has beengiven by way of an illustrative example of this invention, all such andother modifications and variations hereto, as would be apparent topersons skilled in the art, are deemed to fall within the broad scopeand ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.

1. A hoarding module cooperable with other modules for erecting ahoarding, the module including: a substantially rectangular panelmember; first positioning means which positions the module to adjoin atleast one other module along at least one of a first pair of oppositesides of the substantially rectangular panel member, and secondpositioning means which positions the module to adjoin at least oneother module along at least one of the other pair of opposite sides ofthe substantially rectangular panel member; wherein the secondpositioning means cooperates with joining means to hinge togetheradjoining modules in a hoarding.
 2. A hoarding module as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the first positioning means includes two pairs ofopposed first receiving means positioned adjacent the first pair ofopposite sides at substantially opposite ends thereof, the firstreceiving means receiving joining means and cooperating therewith tojoin hoarding modules adjoining on the first pair of opposite sides. 3.A hoarding module as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second positioningmeans includes a pair of opposed second receiving means positionedadjacent the first pair of opposite sides along one of the other pair ofopposite sides, and third receiving means positioned along the other ofthe other pair of opposite sides and receivable between a pair ofopposed second receiving means of a hoarding module adjoining on oneside of the other pair of opposite sides; the second and third receivingmeans receiving joining means and cooperating therewith to join hoardingmodules adjoining on the other pair of opposite sides.
 4. A hoardingmodule as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first receiving means includesa first set of sleeves extending parallel to the other pair of oppositesides, the second receiving means includes a second set of sleevesparallel to the first set and extending along one of the other pair ofopposite sides, and the third receiving means includes a third sleeveparallel to the first set and extending along the other of the otherpair of opposite sides; wherein the joining means includes cylindricalpins closely receivable within the sets of sleeves, and wherein thesecond set of sleeves on one module cooperates with the third sleeve onan adjoining module and with a cylindrical pin to hinge together theadjoining modules along respective sides thereof.
 5. A hoarding moduleas claimed in claim 4, wherein the third receiving means is receivablebetween a pair of opposed first receiving means of a hoarding module inabutment thereto, the first and third receiving means receiving joiningmeans and cooperating therewith whereby a plurality of verticallyaligned modules brace a hoarding comprising a plurality of joinedmodules in abutment thereto.
 6. A hoarding module as claimed in claim 5,and including fourth receiving means in the form of a fourth set ofsleeves inset respectively from the first pair of opposite sides whichcooperate with the second set of sleeves, the second and fourth set ofsleeves receiving joining means and cooperating therewith whereby aplurality of vertically aligned modules brace a hoarding comprising aplurality of joined modules in abutment thereto.
 7. A hoarding module asclaimed in claim 6, the fourth receiving means cooperating with anchormeans for non-fixedly anchoring the module to a supporting surface.
 8. Ahoarding module as claimed in claim 1, and including fixing means forfixing the module to scaffolding or the like.
 9. A hoarding module asclaimed in claim 8, wherein the fixing means includes a plurality ofsupports supporting mounts attachable to the scaffolding.
 10. A hoardingmodule as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first positioning meanscooperates with joining means to brace vertically adjoining modules in ahoarding.
 11. A hoarding module as claimed in claim 10, wherein thefirst positioning means cooperates with anchor means for anchoring thebraced vertically adjoining modules to a floor or the like.
 12. Ahoarding module cooperable with other modules for erecting a hoarding,the module including a substantially rectangular panel member; firstpositioning means which positions the module to adjoin at least oneother module along at least one of a first pair of opposite sides of thesubstantially rectangular panel member, and second positioning meanswhich positions the module to adjoin at least one other module along atleast one of the other pair of opposite sides of the substantiallyrectangular panel member; wherein the first positioning means cooperateswith joining means to brace vertically adjoining modules in a hoarding.13. A walling assembly for erecting a hoarding or the like, the wallingassembly including a plurality of substantially rectangular hoardingmodules, and anchor means for non-fixedly anchoring a hoarding module toa floor or the like; the hoarding modules including first positioningmeans which positions the module to adjoin at least one other modulealong at least one of a first pair of opposite sides of the hoardingmodule and second positioning means which positions the module to adjoinat least one other module along at least one of the other pair ofopposite sides of the hoarding module; and joining means for cooperatingwith the second positioning means to hinge together horizontallyadjoining modules in a hoarding and for cooperating with the firstpositioning means to join vertically adjoining hoarding modules.
 14. Awalling assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein the first positioningmeans includes a first set of sleeves extending parallel to the otherpair of opposite sides and the second positioning means includes asecond set of sleeves parallel to the first set and extending along theother pair of opposite sides.
 15. A walling assembly as claimed in claim14, wherein the joining means includes cylindrical pins closelyreceivable within the sets of sleeves.
 16. A walling assembly as claimedin claim 15, wherein some of the sleeves in the second set of sleeves onone module cooperates with other sleeves in the second set of sleeves onan adjoining module and with a cylindrical pin to hinge together theadjoining modules along respective sides thereof.
 17. A walling assemblyas claimed in claim 13, wherein the modules include door and/or windowmeans.
 18. A walling assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein themodules are made from a plastics material.
 19. A method of erecting ahoarding, the method including positioning anchoring means in place on afloor or the like; locating on the anchoring means a first substantiallyrectangular hoarding module having first positioning means whichpositions the module to adjoin at least one other module along at leastone of a first pair of opposite sides of the hoarding module and secondpositioning means which positions the module to adjoin at least oneother module along at least one of the other pair of opposite sides ofthe hoarding module; positioning a second module substantially identicalto the first module along the upper side of the first module;positioning a third module substantially identical to the first modulealong one of the vertical side s of the first module; and joiningadjoining modules by joining means cooperating with the positioningmeans on each module, the second positioning means on the first andthird modules cooperating with joining means to hinge together the firstand third modules in the hoarding.